Texas Betony

By Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=115393874

Scientific Name: Stachys coccinea

Common Names: Texas Betony, Scarlet Betony, San Marcos Sage, Scarlet Hedge-nettle

Native to: Central and South Texas, Mexico

Lighting Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade (sometimes grown in shade)

Height: 18-24 inches 

Width: 18-24 inches 

Winter Look: Semi-evergreen (depends on the winter)

Seasonal Interest: Spring to fall (scarlet red or pink tubular flowers)

Drought Tolerance: High; very drought-tolerant once established

Soil Requirements: Well-drained, sandy, loamy soils, even clay soils

pH Range: 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 7-10

Deer Resistance: High; rarely browsed by deer

Attracts: Hummingbirds, Bees, Butterflies


Notes: Ideal for wildflower gardens, pollinator gardens, and rock gardens, it is low-maintenance and excellent for attracting pollinators, especially hummingbirds. It is also known for its fragrant foliage. Some may like the fragrance, some may not!